GRAND OPENING SPRING
*WHATEVER AILS YA FOR
facebook.com/thefixburgerbar
2014
*
BURGERS ARE THE BEST MEDICINE! From the group that brought you Mezcal Cantina, Bocado Tapas Bar, The Citizen Wine Bar and Rye & Thyme Tavern, comes Worcester’s first true burger bar. Handmade burgers featuring a unique blend of meats and fixin’s, great beers, expertly crafted elixirs and spiked shakes will be served up to satisfy whatever you’re craving. COME GET YOUR FIX!
BROUGHT TO YOU BY NICHE HOSPITALITY GROUP 166 SHREWSBURY STREET, WORCESTER (FORMERLY MEZCAL CANTINA)
April 2014
pg.
40
Bringing dance back to the people
On the cover:
Worcester County’s Sexiest & Smartest Bartenders! Photo by Justin Mayotte ~ Flash House Studios
IN THIS ISSUE tHE COVER story 6
Behind the bar
ENTERTAINMENt 14
Gear up for Metalfest
15 Pulsebooks: Read about New England’s hidden history
Ken Macy
16 doesn't take his music lightly 17 UP & COMERS: Aurora looks to break through in 2014 17
Experience ‘Rocky Horror’
20 ON CD: Beck ~ Morning Phase Bruce Springsteen ~ High Hopes Lea Michele ~ Louder
21 GAME ON: Sonic the Hedgehog blasts onto Nintendo’s Wii U with Sonic: Lost World 22 Club, Pub & Bar Listings 24 Pulse Shots
28
Wear your technology
Online @ thepulsemag.com
DINING & ENTERTAINING
Entertainment
32 DINING review: Mexicali caters to a variety of tastes 33 HOT AND NOW 34
Go meatless at the DCU Center
35 PulseBREW: Where Were You? 36
Chianti is classic!
Art & Culture 40 Bringing dance back to the people
42
ART: Spring stART canceled
style & Beauty
MEN: Great spring looks SKIN: The benefits of coconut oil
LIFESTYLE
DATING: What women want online
Group plans Follow us on Twitter @ new theater WorcesterPulse and like usfor on Facebook at Worcester facebook.com/thepulse MORE ONLINE!
magazine.
COLLEGE
The final countdown:
A bucket list for graduating seniors
Style & Beauty 44 Cosmic Unicornz fire the imagination 45 The Style List: Time for spring shopping 45
LIFESTYLE
29
Go green for spring beauty
8 simple stressbusters
PULSE Magazine is produced 12 times a year by Pagio Inc., 88 Winter St., Worcester, MA 01604. (508) 756-5006. Copyright 2012 All rights reserved. Pagio, Inc. does not hold itself responsible for statements made by any contributor. Statements or opinions expressed in Pulse reflect the views of the author(s) and not the official policy of the Pagio, Inc., unless so stated. Although all advertising material is expected to conform to ethical standards, acceptance does not imply endorsement by Pagio, Inc. unless so stated. Material printed in Pulse is covered by copyright. No copyright is claimed to any work of the U.S. government. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without written permission. For information on permissions, reprints and other services, contact Pagio, Inc.
Paul Giorgio, Publisher Donna Roberson, Editor Justin Perry, Art Director, Photographer Chris Reddy, Kerry Cyganiewicz, Vanessa Herbold, Christy Rafferty Account Executives Kim Dunbar, Sports Editor Alex Kantarelis, Music Editor Jennifer Russo, Lifestyle Editor
Kimberly Dunbar, Erin Cornell, Alex Kantarelis, Jennifer Russo, Jason Savio, Bernie Whitmore, Michael Wood, Paul Giorgio, Benjamin McNeil, Rachel Schuster, Maxine Giza, Stacia Kindler, Tim Korby, Kerry Cyganiewicz Writers
April 2014 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 5
COVER STORY
Be hind th e b a r
We all know many of the bartenders in Central Massachusetts are great-looking and make a killer drink. Now, we want to know what makes them special. Read on to find out more about your favorite bartenders ~ including who is a fitness nut, who works on cars, who likes to cook and who’s planning a five-month trek through Europe. There’s more to our local bartenders than meets the eye! Photo by Justin Mayotte
Thomas Viel 25, Sweet, Flying Rhino
What makes you more than just good-looking? I’m flattered that you think I’m even good-looking. I know I’ve got a pretty funny and dry sense of humor that only certain people can understand. Where did you go to school? What was your major? I have a degree in business/accounting already; however, I recently decided to switch it up and go back to school to be a registered nurse. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Hopefully, happily settled into my nursing career …
6 THEPULSEMAG.COM | April 2014
and if I play my cards right, I’ll have a handsome, smart husband and a couple chihuahuas. What book is on your bedside table? I don’t have any books on my bedside table because I don’t have a bedside table, but my favorite book of all time is The Perks of Being a Wallflower. What can’t you stop listening to on your iPod? I’ve been listening to a lot of Lorde lately, but I love everything from EDM to classic rock ~ just no country! What’s your favorite charity? Any nonprofit animal shelter. What’s the most annoying thing a customer has ever done? I could talk for hours about this … separate checks when everyone is paying cash, complaining about drinks not being strong enough, asking for gluten-free menus.
What do you do on your days off? I currently don’t have any days off. In the summertime, when I take time off, I am usually at the beach. What’s your favorite drink? Tequila on the rocks with a lot of limes … or a Godfather. If you could have one superpower, what would it be? I wish I could watch people at the gym and absorb their health benefits. What’s your passion? I love cars ~ driving, working on them, researching them; cars are definitely my passion. Grab a drink from Thomas on Tuesday and Wednesday nights at Sweet, 72 Shrewsbury St., Worcester, or catch him as part of the Flying Rhino’s waitstaff Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights at 278 Shrewsbury St., Worcester.
Photo by Justin Mayotte
What makes you more than just goodlooking? I am very ambitious and independent. I have never been afraid to follow my dreams, no matter how big or how long it may take to achieve them. Amidst all the chaos of trying to juggle work, school and motherhood, I never lose sight of what is really important and remember to always keep my faith. I am extremely family-oriented and would do anything for my family and friends.
Yesenia Santiago
26, Break-Away Billiards
Where do you go to school? What is your major? I am currently a student at Mount Wachusett Community College. I am majoring in nursing. I also am a licensed cosmetologist. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? In 10 years, I want to be in a position where I have seen myself grow as an individual. I hope to be a good role model for my children. I hope to own a house down south, close to a beautiful beach, so I can spend my weekends having fun in the sun with my family. I hope to work as a nurse in labor and delivery and to be a knowledgeable, caring and valuable asset to the hospital closest to my home. And most of all, I want to be surrounded by family, friends and lots of love. What book is on your bedside table? I am a hopeless romantic, so I get lost in romance novels. I also like a little mystery, but I am currently reading Fifty Shades of Grey. What can’t you stop listening to on your iPod? I love EDM/ dance music. What skill are you most proud of? I have good people skills, and I›m a good listener. What’s your favorite charity? St. Jude Children’s Hospital. What’s the most annoying thing a customer has ever done? When a customer doesn’t understand when I say, “No, I’m not interested in going to dinner,” and continues to try to ask me out. What do you do on your days off? Go to school, spend time with family and friends and try to enjoy the outdoors. What’s your favorite drink? Malibu Bay Breeze. If you could have one superpower, what would it be? Teleportation. What’s your passion? I enjoy making people feel beautiful. Grab a drink from Yesenia on Thursday nights and Saturday and Sunday afternoons at Break-Away Billiards, 104 Sterling St., Clinton. April 2014 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 7
Krista Luchette 20, Mahoney’s Pub
Photo by Justin Mayotte Where do you go to school? What is your major? I attend Worcester State University, and my major is occupational therapy. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I see myself being an occupational therapist and working with autistic children and children with disabilities. I also hope to be supporting myself and, most of all, being happy. What book is on your bedside table? I honestly haven’t read a book since high school. I don’t really have the attention span for it! What can’t you stop listening to on your iPod? I listen to a very wide variety of music. I really like anything that has good rhythm. My four favorite songs are “Hey Jude” by The Beatles, “No Diggity” by Blackstreet, “Collie Man” by Slightly Stoopid and “Rip Her to Shreds” by Blondie. What skill are you most proud of? What hidden skill do you have? I am probably most proud of my ability to be active and athletic. I’ve always loved a good game of basketball. A hidden skill that I have is that I really enjoy writing poetry. What is your favorite charity? My favorite charity is Relay for Life because
8 THEPULSEMAG.COM | April 2014
I’ve had too many loved ones taken from me by cancer. What’s the most annoying thing a customer has ever done? One time, I was bartending and I was really busy, and this guy wouldn’t stop talking to me, to the point where his teeth fell out … literally. What do you do on your days off? I am a part of CrossFit Worcester on Grove Street, and I absolutely love it! What’s your favorite drink? I like a good ol’ classic Shirley Temple. If you could have one superpower, what would it be? I would want the ability to teleport. There are so many beautiful places in this world that I need to see … and sometimes just to get me to class on time. What is your passion? I have been working with children with disabilities since I was in the fourth grade. My passion is to help out people who are in need and to put a smile on their faces. Catch Krista on Friday nights at Mahoney’s Pub, 413 Park Ave., Worcester.
Meghan Vaughan 21, Scorz Sports Bar
Photo by Justin Perry What makes you more than just good-looking? I think a good personality is what makes someone most attractive. I’m personable and can get along with almost anyone. I also like to think of myself as humorous, and I’m instantly attracted to someone who can make me laugh. Where do you go school? What is your major? I go to Worcester State, and I’m a criminal justice major. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? In 10 years, I see myself with a job in the legal field. I hope to own my own house by then and be married to my dream man. What book is on your bedside table? A book I’m reading for one of my classes ~ Columbine. I typically don’t like books that are assigned to me, but this one is addictive! What can’t you stop listening to on your iPod? Depending on my mood, my music typically consists of anything from Miley Cyrus to Jason Aldean.
What’s the most annoying thing a customer has ever done? Ripping up bar napkins for me to clean up is probably the most annoying thing ever. What do you do on your days off? I only have one day off a week, so I use my time to hang out with friends and family and to catch up on homework. What’s your favorite drink? Chardonnay is my favorite. I’m a wine-o, even though a wine hangover is probably the worst hangover. If you could have one superpower, what would it be? To be able to read minds, of course. Some people are really hard to get a feel for. Just say what’s on your mind! What’s your passion? I love to cook. Food is so good, and there are so many amazingly tasty things to experiment with. Catch Meghan on Wednesdays and Fridays at Scorz Sports Bar, 58 Shrewsbury St., Worcester.
What skill are you most proud of? My social skills! Working with the public at a bar and restaurant, I’ve come to realize many people lack them. April 2014 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 9
Sam Fletcher 31, Loft 266 and Flying Rhino
Photo by Justin Mayotte What makes you more than good-looking? I can only speculate, but being a scholar and a gentleman might have something to do with it … also, confidence is key. What school did you go to? What was your major? I went to St. Bernard’s Central Catholic High School and Worcester State University. I also finished my national EMT program five months ago. My major was urban systems/political science. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Traveling and, hopefully, sitting under a palm tree somewhere warm. What book is on your bedside table? I’m currently reading The 4-Hour Work Week on my Kindle … check it out. What can’t you stop listening to on your iPod? I’ve been listening to a lot of Lumineers and singer/songwriter/folk stuff lately, and of course, DJ Xcaliber when it’s time to start the party. What hidden skill do you have? I’ve got a mean Irish step dance I break out on occasion. What’s your favorite charity? Make-A-Wish Foundation.
10 THEPULSEMAG.COM | April 2014
What’s the most annoying thing a customer has ever done? I have great regular customers for the most part, but this was a good recent one: Girl Customer: Do you guys have beer here? Me: (Standing in front of 15 beer taps) Nope... we must have just run out. Girl Customer: Oh, that stinks. How about mixed drinks? Do you have those? Me: (Again, standing in front of 50 liquor bottles) Not that I’m aware of. Girl Customer: Hhhhhmmmm, OK. I guess I’ll just have a water with lemon. I just turned around and walked away. What do you do on your days off? Those are very rare. But usually I’ll go snowboarding with my best buddy and last year’s sexiest bartender, Matt Comeau. Had to get that shout-out in somewhere. What’s your favorite drink? Vodka and soda water or Scotch. If you could have one superpower, what would it be? The power to have any power, obviously. What’s your passion? Definitely traveling. I’m off to travel Europe for five months, starting with Octoberfest in Germany! I also really enjoy my EMT work right now. Have Sam make your drink on Friday nights at Loft 266, 266 Park Ave., Worcester, and Saturdays at the Flying Rhino, 278 Shrewsbury St., Worcester.
Angela Erickson 30, Mill Towne Tavern
What makes you more than just good-looking? I’m a very hard worker; I’ve been working since I was 16, and I went to school nights for years to get my bachelor’s degree while working. What usually surprises people is that I work in a garage all day, and I know more about cars than most females and even some guys. Where did you go to school? What was your major? I graduated in May 2013 from Nichols College with my bachelor’s degree in business administration and marketing. I also have an associate’s degree in business administration and accounting from Quinsigamond Community College. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I’d say I see myself running my dad’s auto repair shop for him and, hopefully, married with a couple kids What book is on your bedside table? Don’t laugh, but I’m a sucker for a good love story. Right now, I’m reading Nicholas Sparks’ Best of Me. What can’t you stop listening to on your iPod? If anyone ever went through my iPod, they’d find quite a wide range of music on there. My faves are Christina Aguilera, Halestorm, Eminem, Ke$ha, Devour the Day and Rihanna. What hidden skill do you have? I’ve become quite the party planner over the years; my friends always tell me I should open my own party planning/ gift basket-making business. What’s your favorite charity? I love animals, so I always like to donate to local shelters and the MSPCA.
Photo by Justin Mayotte
What’s the most annoying thing a customer has ever done? I always hate being put on the spot when a guy customer asks me if I’m single, and I say yes, and then he proceeds to ask me for my number. Don’t try to pick me up while I’m working, please! What do you do on your days off? I honestly don’t have many days off; I’m a workaholic, I guess. Bartending is my part-time job, so when I’m not working at the bar or at my full-time job at Erickson Auto Repair, I’ll usually be out with friends around Worcester/Boston dancing the night away! When I do happen to get a day off in the summer, you can find me at the beach! What’s your favorite drink? Extra, Extra Dirty Martinis are my fave! But I do love an ice-cold Bud Light or Captain and Coke if I’m not in a martini mood. If you could have one superpower, what would it be? I’d love to be able to time travel, so I could go back in time and see people that left my life too soon, and I’d also love to get a little glimpse of what the future holds for me. What’s your passion? I absolutely love to cook. I love to try new recipes, and I love to make up my own concoctions. I enjoy cooking for people; anytime I can, I love to have friends over for yummy dinners! Anything else you’d like to say? I love to have fun, and I’ve always got a smile on my face. Bartending gives me the chance to do that and also to meet new people ~ I love that! Catch Angela on Friday and Saturday nights at Mill Towne Tavern, 49 Elm St., Millbury. April 2014 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 11
12 THEPULSEMAG.COM | April 2014
April 2014 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 13
Entertainment
Gear up for Metalfest By Jennifer Russo
It’s on its way … can you hear it? The distant sound of guitars shredding into piles of wood and metal. The thump of the bass drum’s resting beat as it paces the marching of the incoming metal armies. The faint screams and growls of the warriors of rock ’n’ roll as they make their way to Worcester. The 16th annual New England Metal & Hardcore Festival (NEMHF) is almost here. Whether you are into melodic metal, new metal, heavy metal, Viking metal, doom metal, punk or a mix of it all, there’s a little something for everyone at Metalfest. In just a couple of weeks, the Palladium’s two stages will be blessed with bands from all around the world, ready to rattle your eardrums and boost your adrenaline. Instead of the usual Friday-Sunday spread, New England Metal and Hardcore Festival (NEMHF) is bringing something new to the table this year. The 2014 show will run from Thursday, April 17, through Saturday, April 19. Personally, I think this is a great decision because it means I can rock hard, throw a few (or more) back and not have work the next day. A free day to recover from three days and nights of madness? Yes, please.
Scott Lee, who organizes Metalfest, is looking forward to “making the fans happy” with the bands that have been asked to play this year and said that “though there won’t be a pre-party here in Worcester this time around, there will be some related events happening in other places around the country, including Albany (N.Y.), Hartford (Conn.) and Montreal, Canada.” He’s focused not only on the concert that will happen here in Worcester but also on spreading the NEMHF madness to other places. Food and beverages are not allowed through the doors, so please leave your peanut butter and jelly sandwiches at home. As always, the Palladium will provide some basic munchies downstairs like pizza and chips, but for those of us who like something a little fancier, the Paris Café attached to the venue offers great bistro sandwiches, salads and coffee. There’s also an Uno’s right down the street to grab some grub before the show and get the energy you need for the circle pit. Bands are chosen for this event based on the hype surrounding them, their new album releases, what they might be doing and availability. Break Thru
14 THEPULSEMAG.COM | April 2014
Music also does its Battle of the Bands to determine which local up and coming bands get to share the stage with the greats. So, who is playing?
On Thursday, the all-ages festival begins at noon and will feature some big headliners, including Massachusetts locals, All that Remains. There’s also Bleeding Through, Emmure, Oceano, Broken Hope and Gideon, among others. On Friday, we get a darker array of sound, including headliners Behemoth, Within the Ruins, Carnifex, The Acacia Strain, Whitechapel, Goatwhore, Fit For An Autopsy, Slapshot, Thy Art is Murder, I Declare War and other hard-hitting favorites. On Saturday, the festival closes out with more than two dozen bands ready and rearing to melt your face with brutal sound. Battlecross will be there, and if the band performs anywhere near like it did last year, you definitely don’t want to miss it ~ it gives one of the best live performances out there on the circuit today. Other great bands that night include Unearth, Alpha & Omega, Lionheart, Nile, Sabaton, Texas in July, Iced Earth and plenty more bands that are sure to give the finale of the year and make you really, really happy that you have the next day to rest. Tons of sponsors and vendors will show us what they’ve got. Always get there a little early to get some free stuff they might be giving away. Check out Rock & Shock’s table (which usually runs raffles throughout the day) for some info on who might be playing in the fall and check out items from Zildjian, Tama, Sound Rink, Skateboard Marketing, In Tune Guitar Picks, Ibanez, All In Merchandise and more. Ticket prices vary, and there are a few packages (including some great VIP options that include T-shirts, laminates, posters, free Monster drinks all day and exclusive meet-and-greet opportunities) that you have to choose from. Thursday- or Friday-only tickets are $40 in advance, and Saturday-only tickets are $45 in advance. Get the real deal with the 3-Day Pass and see all 60-plus bands for only $115 in advance. Tickets can be purchased at TicketFly.com, the Palladium box office or by calling 1-800-477-6849. VIP Tickets are available at Soundrink.com. For more information on band lineup, sponsors and tickets and to see interviews and videos, go to metalandhardcorefestival.com.
Pulsebooks: Read about New England’s hidden history By Kimberly Dunbar If you’ve ever driven past a graveyard and wondered (while holding your breath) about the history behind it, then continue reading. We’ve got just the book for you. Gone But Not Forgotten: New England’s Ghost Towns, Cemeteries, & Memorials, a new book co-written by Summer Paradis and Cathy McManus, explores New England’s rich history, which is replete with cemeteries, monuments and abandoned villages. The authors visit 36 sites across New England, providing a brief history and the significance of each location, complemented by glossy photos, visitor recommendations and notes. Several of the 36 sites the authors visited are predictable, well-known places ~ like the Salem Witch Trial Memorial, the Bunker Hill Monument and the New England Holocaust Memorial in Boston. Although these were expected, the authors did do a good job of picking out other notable edifices in these historical towns. For example, everyone knows of the iconic image that is the Fisherman’s Memorial in Gloucester (also known as Man at the Wheel), but there is also a Fishermen’s Wives Memorial down the road that honors the women and children of fishermen’s families for their “faith, diligence, and fortitude.” Plymouth is another Massachusetts town known for its history (who didn’t take a field trip to Plymouth Rock when they were younger?). In addition to the famous rock, Plymouth is also the home of the National Monument to the Forefathers, the largest granite monument in the United States, and the Massasoit Memorial honoring the leader of the native people who helped the Pilgrims establish a successful colony. There are also some hidden gems highlighted in the book. There’s the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Concord, where you can find Author’s Ridge ~ the resting place of some of America’s greatest writers. Authors Louisa May Alcott, Nathaniel and Sophia Hawthorne, Harriet M. Lothorp (pen name Margaret Sydney) and Ralph Waldo Emerson are all buried in Sleepy Hollow. My favorite was the Unknown Confederate in Gray, Maine. In 1862, the body of a Confederate soldier was shipped to the parents of a fallen Union soldier. Despite the mix-up, the family gave this unknown Confederate a proper burial, and the gravesite is marked as “Stranger.” Other cryptic highlights include the graves of P.T. Barnum and Tom Thumb in Connecticut, the gravesite of L.L. Bean in Maine and the resting place of accused vampire, Mercy Brown, in Rhode Island. While some of these gravesites seem underwhelming from the photos, the stories are interesting (which seems to be the case for many of the locations included in the book). My only disappointment was that the “ghost towns” did not actually contain any ghosts (although, some are rumored to be haunted) ~ but that could just be the paranormal fan in me. Gone But Not Forgotten is a great addition to any coffee table in New England and a handy guide for those who want to explore the region’s history. April 2014 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 15
Ken Macy doesn't take his music lightly By Maxine Giza
Humble and grateful are two words you might not associate with a successful musician who has recorded five albums and played at venues throughout New England, but those two words certainly come to mind when talking with Ken Macy. “It’s really something special that can’t be taken for granted,” the Central Massachusetts native said, when asked what it’s like to play for a crowd of adoring fans. While his following is strong, it has taken Macy time to grow his career. At 13, Macy was walking by a music shop when he noticed a guitar in the window. He decided to give the instrument a shot and took lessons. Fast forward a few years, and Macy started doing open mic events to get his name out. “I started meeting people, and it kind of snowballed from there,” he said. Macy recorded his first album (which he describes as more or less a demo) at 19. The experience proved to be a valuable one that helped the young artist become more at ease with the writing and recording process. “By the time I got to my third record, I felt really comfortable recording and writing,” Macy said. “It really fell into place right around then.” It’s not the accolades or music sales that hit home the most. For Macy, it’s the little moments that have cemented his passion for what he does. “When you play a song and people come up to you and are moved by what you do, that is
16 THEPULSEMAG.COM | April 2014
something you can’t really get anywhere else,” he said. “It’s a really cool feeling when you sing a song. It’s no longer about you; it’s about everybody.” There have been times that the music of the creative songwriter has not just touched an audience, but that his audience has touched him. Macy recalls a group of young adults who attended a performance several years ago in central Massachusetts. The group really seemed enjoy his upbeat tunes. After the show, one of the men in this party told Macy that the group had just buried one of their friends and that the songs played that evening helped them cope. “When something like that happens, you don’t really take it lightly,” Macy said. Many aspiring musicians may have visions of being the next YouTube sensation, but not everyone will make it to the top. Macy has sound advice for anyone looking to perform professionally. “Work hard and believe in what you do and in yourself,” he said. “Just try to do the best you can and enjoy it.” While no one knows for sure what the future holds for Macy and his career, audiences can plan on seeing him around for a while. “You have to love what you do,” he said. “If you love what you do, you are going to keep doing it, no matter what.” Ken Macy’s fifth album, “Outlines,” is available on iTunes. For more information, visit kenmacymusic.com.
Aurora looks to break through in 2014 By Alex Kantarelis
Massachusetts is no stranger to pop punk, and a lot of great bands have popped out of our state in the last couple years. Add Aurora to the list of pop punk bands looking to break through in 2014. The Central Massachusetts natives have put together a band with a solid, old-school sound that will make you want to time travel back a decade to when Taking Back Sunday and Brand New were still friends and Gabe Saporta was still singing for Midtown before that whole Cobra Starship thing happened. Aurora plays from the heart, with totally stripped-down pop punk that is raw, catchy and old school. The band had a quick start in late 2012, when four songwriters got together to mesh their ideas. “We all play different instruments in the band, but we all play guitar and sing,” said founding member and guitarist Rob Heckman. Each member had a few songs he had been working on individually, which turned into the first batch of Aurora songs.
Experience ‘Rocky Horror’ Worcester County Light Opera Company will present The Rocky Horror Musical, a stage version of the campy ’70s movie, at the Granview Playhouse, 21 Granview Ave., Worcester. The Rocky Horror Show is a unique rock musical that involves audience participation throughout. With direction by Jeremy Woloski, music direction by Lenny McGuire and choreography by Kelly Vantre-Manson, Rocky Horror opens on Friday, April 25. Cast members include Sarah Marie Kary, Rose Baum Gage, Kaitlyn Ekstrom, Steve Caputo, Sean Dillon, Hadley St.Clair, Samantha Raychel Mandella, Nick Doig, Kelley Manson, Chuck Grigaitis, Christie Console, Bree Beauregard and Kevin H. Brady. Performances will be held April 25, 26, 27, May 1, 2, 3, 4, 8,9, 10 and 11. Thursday-Saturday performances are at 8 p.m., and Sunday performances are at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20; $18 for seniors and students. Thursdays are College Night, when college students pay $10. For tickets or more information, visit wcloc.org or call (508) 753-4383.
“We hopped right into the studio and cranked out our first EP,” Heckman said. “We all write our own songs and then bring them to the table and dissect them as a full band.” With each member contributing equally, the band already had chemistry, which helped it get things going quickly. “We had a couple songs, threw them together, had a couple practices and started playing shows that fall,” Heckman said. As 2012 came to a close, the band kept the momentum going in 2013, at a time when most bands were happy just to be playing shows. With four songwriters working together, new material was easy to create, and a follow-up EP was written and recorded that spring. The result was The Stepping Stones, an EP that brought Aurora’s sound to the next level. The EP has four pop punk songs that keep the energy up and sound like they could have easily fit on Drive-Thru Records catalogue in the early 2000s. The EP was aided by the recording skills of producer Anthony Simone, who has always worked with the band. Describing the relationship with Simone, Heckman said, “We try to invest in him the way he does with us. He’s super technical; we’ve learned so much from him.” The band finished the year by recording an acoustic song, “Changing Winds,” which it released in January 2014, along with a video. The band’s work ethic and catchy tunes caught the attention of Massachusetts-based Blank Youth Records, which signed the band for its next release and instantly started promoting the band like crazy. Aurora’s next release will be out this spring, featuring seven new songs that promise to push the band to new levels of creativity. “It’s so much different than the other stuff. We really took our time to find exactly the sound we’re going for,” Heckman said. Aurora will play all over the Northeast in the next few months and will hit the road for a few weeks this summer, touring down the East Coast to Florida and back up through the Midwest. With all that, it should be easy to check them out at a show near you. April 2014 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 17
Yuengling Wachusett Brewing Co Spencer Trappist Ale Samuel Adams Traveler Beer Co. Tenth & Blake Angry Orchard Woodchuck Harpoon Long Trail Shipyard Sea Dog Boulevard Narragansett Otter Creek Wolavers Peak Ipswich Baxter Innis & Gunn Banner Beer Co Newburyport Pioneer Slumbrew Foolproof Rapscallion Notch Rising Tide Bantam Grey Sail Lost Nation Wormtown Magic Hat Sierra Nevada Shock Top Goose Island Clown Shoes Kennebec River Brewer Lefty’s Brewing Co. Bay State Brewing Boulder Brewing Co. Berkshire Brewing Co. Red Bull Vita Coco Sparling Ice Sweet Blazes Bloody Mary information subject to change
18 THEPULSEMAG.COM | April 2014
April 2014 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 19
ON CD Beck ~ Morning Phase By Jennifer Russo
You know those mornings where the sun is shining just so …right through your window and into your face, so you turn the other way and hope to catch the end of the amazing dream you were having prior to the dawn’s interruption? Beck’s new album, Morning Phase, seems to embrace this scene. The album intentionally moves as though you are in that hazy half-awake/half-sleep moment. It’s on the slower side, but it is not missing the strong chords and detail work for which Beck is famous. His vocals are warm and “easy like Sunday morning,” and the album is perfect for a lazy summer afternoon and a glass of wine. I feel this is an album that will appeal to a wide variety of audiences, as it borders so many different tastes.
Bruce Springsteen ~ High Hopes By Jason Savio
What can be said about Bruce Springsteen that hasn’t already been said? Even on High Hopes ~ a collection of unreleased material from over the past decade, with a couple of covers and live staples ~ The Boss continues to impress. And to add fire to the flame, Rage Against The Machine guitarist Tom Morello is featured throughout. High Hopes is a diverse group of songs. The cover of The Saints’ “Just Like Fire Would” is a rousing number, as is the build-up of “Heaven’s Wall” that captures Springsteen delivering a sermon in song like only he can. On the flip side is the dark and moody “Down in the Hole” and the gritty “Harry’s Place.” But the highlight of High Hopes is “The Ghost of Tom Joad.”
Lea Michele ~ Louder By Michael Wood
Anyone who has ever seen Glee knows that Lea Michele can sing her face off. There’s no denying that. So it’s no surprise she does exactly that and then some with this, her debut solo album. But the misstep for the Broadway veteran and certified power belter comes when we recognize that she seems stuck in a 1990s power ballad time warp. And while we don’t necessarily have any problems with these kinds of songs, we wonder who, besides her diehard fans, will ever hear Louder. The timing of this album comes less than a year after the untimely death of her boyfriend and co-star, Cory Monteith, from a drug overdose. So it might be callous to expect something more upbeat here, but the sheer depth of the sadness is tough to sit through, song after song, 11 songs strong. You could read into any
20 THEPULSEMAG.COM | April 2014
Soft acoustic guitar and piano play nicely together and touch the soul of the true music lover (even those who like heavier genres) in that unplugged fashion we all love to kick back to at times. This is an artistic album that has both sadness and hope in its lyrics and doesn’t cater to the mainstream. It brings to mind an image of Beck holding his heart out to the public, saying “well … here it is.” Similar to his 2002 album, Sea Change, Morning Phase delves into the pain of losing someone you love in eloquent melody. The strings subtly playing in the background round the album out even more. All in all, Beck offers us a refined, and yet minimalist, approach to the great music he has always played. To learn more, visit Beck’s official website at beck.com.
Hearing Springsteen and Morello ~ the voices of social consciousness for two different generations ~ playing together is a treat. Morello incorporates his trademark edge and often accents Springsteen’s angry narratives. Their collaboration on “The Ghost of Tom Joad” is too good to be true; a song that Morello cut his teeth on with Rage, and here, he gets to finally play it alongside the man who wrote it. His satellite-spinning solo is full of all the angst and emotion that the song calls for, and you can hear him giving it his all in every note. Instead of being an afterthought that could have gotten rushed out the door, High Hopes is an unexpectedly unique and creative addition to Springsteen’s catalogue. Visit brucespringsteen.net for more.
of these tracks and see Monteith’s ghost haunting the singer through all her vocals, which makes the songs achingly beautiful but totally without reprieve. The lead single, “Cannonball,” as written by Sia, toys with an upbeat tempo, but just when it seems we might slip into some pop, Louder retreats to its darker side. Whether it’s “If You Say So,” with lyrics like “It’s been seven whole days, seven whole days since you paralyzed me/ Seven whole days since you lost your fight...” or “Thousand Needles” or “You’re Mine,” you can’t help but wonder how Michele managed to make it through the heart-wrenching heaviness of each and every song … and how she expects us to, as well. For all the info on Lea Michelle, visit leahmichelemusic.com.
Sonic the Hedgehog blasts onto Nintendo's Wii U with Sonic: Lost World By Jason Savio
You can’t keep a good hedgehog down. It was 1991 when Sonic the Hedgehog made his debut on the Sega Genesis game console, and 23 years later, the blue blur is still racing across the screen collecting those famous gold rings. Thanks to Nintendo, Sonic is being introduced to a whole new generation of gamers on the Wii U system in his latest adventure, Sonic: Lost World. While some aspects of Lost World are a drastic change from the games of Sonic’s heyday, the heart of the story is not. On this go-around, Sonic once again finds himself battling his archenemy Eggman. The red-haired heavy has stolen all of the “critters” to transform them into a destructive army (“Bunnies to badniks!” exclaims Eggman during one video segment) with the intention ~ of course ~ to rule the world and rid it of Sonic. To make matters worse for our hero, Eggman has enlisted The Deadly Six, a group of evil compatriots, to help him. Sonic has his own backup, though, with characters like Tails and Knuckles returning to action to aid in the fight to save the critters and stop Eggman. But this isn’t your uncle’s Sonic game. Lost World begins with an impressive intro movie that showcases high-flying acrobatics, as Sonic balances on top of a bi-plane headed after Eggman. The superb graphics are akin to a Pixar production and capture all of the fun and vibrant energy that the rest of the game has to offer. The different levels within the game are creative and imaginative, as well, with multi-dimensional environments that have Sonic running through spinning tunnels and racing right side up and upside down. The Desert Ruins: Zone 3 level stands out as especially memorable, thanks to its humorous and trippy “dessert” theme, featuring twisting licorice, giant Oreos and a pancake-bombarded background. Being on Wii U, Lost World takes advantage of the system’s unique Wii U Game Pad controller. There are different color powers that can be obtained, each with its own special feature. To utilize them, place your finger on the controller’s game pad screen. For example, with the blue color power, you simply swipe your finger across the screen in the direction you want Sonic to blast off into, and presto, Sonic hits hyperspeed. It’s highly interactive and adds another element to the game that is completely new to the franchise. It’s a relief to say with the utmost confidence that Sonic: Lost World is indeed a stellar game. The beloved character has survived the fall of the Sega console and is still alive and well today, much to the delight of yours truly. In a time when most games seem to favor first-person shooters and gritty realism, Sonic: Lost World reminds us of a simpler and more rewarding time in gaming. For the nostalgia that the older gamers can appreciate and the gameplay that all can enjoy, you would be remiss not to play Sonic: Lost World. For more, visit sonicthehedgehog.com/lostworld. April 2014 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 21
Club & Pub Listings Entertainment at clubs, bars, pubs,
American Graffiti 113 Summer St., Lunenburg 978-345-1010
B-Man’s 140 Tavern 348 Redemption Rock Trail, Sterling 978-422-9763 140pub.com The Banner Bar & Grille 112 Green St., Worc. 508-755-0879 thebannerbar.com Barber’s Crossing Road House 861 Main St., Leicester 508-892-7575 barberscrossingrestaurant.com Barbers Crossing (North) 175 Leominster Road, Sterling 978-422-8438 barberscrossingrestaurant.com Thursdays through April 17: Karaoke singing contest with $500 prize Beatnik’s 433 Park Ave., Worc. 508-926-8877 beatniksbeyou.com Beemer’s Pub 114 River St., Fitchburg 978-343-3148 beemerspub.com Black Sheep Tavern 261 Leominster Road, Sterling 978-422-8484 blacksheeptavernsterline.com Fridays, Saturdays: Live bands April 3: Tony Soul Black Sheep Party April 26: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell Blackstone Tap 81 Water St., Worc. 508-797-4827 blackstonetap.com Blue Plate Lounge 661 Main St., Holden 508-829-4566 hometown.aol.com/blueplatelounge Thursdays: Open Mic Night with Ed Sheridan April 11: The Matt Brown Band April 19: Shakedown Street April 25: The Ric Porter Band April 26: Cosmic Slim & His Intergalactic Plowboys Blueprint New American Bar & Grill 9 Village Square, Westminster 978-668-5580 April 3: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell April 4: Dustin Brideau April 5: Professor Harp April 10: Backfire April 11: JCDC April 12: Total Domination April 17: Just for Kicks April 18: Watt’s Closet April 19: Erica & Justin Acoustic Duo April 24: Hit the Bus April 25: Midnight Judges April 26: A Fine Connection Boulder Cafe 880 Main St., Fitchburg 978-345-0008 Breakaway Billiards 104 Sterling St., Clinton 978-365-6105 myspace.com/breakawaybilliardsclinton Brew City 104 Shrewsbury St., Worc. 508-752-3862 brew-city.com
Bull Run Restaurant 215 Great Road, Shirley 978-425-4311, 877-536-7190 bullrunrestaurant.com April 3: Nellie McKay April 5: The Mark Marquis Group at The Bull Run April 6: Ana Popovic April 11: Seamus Kennedy April 12: John Nemeth & the Bo-Keys with Percy Wiggins April 12: Paul Rishell & Annie Raines April 13: Larry Carlton April 18: The James Hunter Six April 26: The Fools Cafe Destare 320 Main St., Fitchburg 978-345-5734 destare.com Canal Restaurant & Bar 65 Water St., Worc. 508-926-8353 facebook.com/CanalRestaurantandBar Thursdays: Open Mic Night Fridays, Saturdays: DJ Music Master Sound, DJ Music Master Matty D Saturdays: StageTime Comedy Club April 4: Bob Moon/From the Comoncheros April 11: Brian Kendall & Dave Miller (acoustic ) April 12: Tom Revane April 18: Sean Fullerton April 19: Rick Porter Unpluged April 25: Ken Macy The Cannery 12 Crane St., Southbridge 508-764-1100 12crane.com/canneryhall/index.php Cantina Bar & Grill 385 Main St., Worc. 508-459-5325 cantinaworcester.com Center Bar & Grill 102 Green St., Worc. 508-438-0597 thecenterbar.com Tuesdays: Eastern Poker Tour Thursdays: Dueling Pianos hosted by Sunny Lake Fridays: Friday Night Dance Party with DJ Blackout Centerfolds 2000 139 Southbridge St., N. Oxford 508-987-5222 centerfolds2000.com
Chooch’s Food & Spirits 31 E. Brookfield Road, N. Brookfield 508-867-2494 sitewizzer.com/choochs Chopstick’s Restaurant & Lounge 21 Commercial Road, Leominster 978-534-0020 chopsticksleominster.com April 11, 12: Windfall Classic Rock Christopher’s Pub 7 Pleasant St., Leominster 978-534-8250 facebook.com/christopherspubleominster Cicero’s Cafe 17 Suffolk St., Worc. 508-767-9728 worcesterscene.com/admin/location_images/ ciceros.jpg Classic’s Pub 285 Central St., Leominster 978-537-7750 classicspub.net Club Caliente
22 THEPULSEMAG.COM | April 2014
& other select venues
816 Main St., Worc. 508-826-9305
Club Instyle 41 Pleasant St., Worc. theclubinstyle.com Club KasBar 234 Southwest Cutoff, Worc. 508-798-8385 facebook.com/ClubKasBar April 4: Tony Soul Project April 11: Valvatross Cornerstone’s Restaurant 616 Central St., Leominster 978-537-1991 cornerstonesrestaurant.com Wednesdays: Trivia April 4: Gale County April 5: The Workingman’s Band April 11: Bitter Suite April 12: Side by Side Cosmopolitan Club 96 Hamilton St., Worc. 508-752-0482 Dance Ranch & Saloon 70 James St., Worc. 508-757-6977 danceranchandsaloon.com Dar Bah 29 Canal St., Millbury 508-865-8441 Days End Tavern 287 Main St., Oxford 508-987-1006 daysendtavern.com Devens Grill 4 Ryans Way, Devens 978-862-0060 devensgrill.com Dunnys Tavern 291 E. Main St., E. Brookfield Electric Haze 26 Millbury St, Worc. 508-799-0629 facebook.com/ElectricHaze Sundays through April 20: Jazz Jam Tuesdays: Hip Hop Tuesdays April 3: Tauk April 5: The Groove Street Band April 9: Mizz Kitsune ~ Electro Swing Night April 10: All Good Feel Good Collective, The Van Burens April 11: Cosmic Dust Bunnies, Trails April 12: Turkuaz April 16: Jake McKelvie & The Countertops April 17: Rocky and the Pressers, Far East April 18: Airspray April 19: Dub Apocalypse, Soul Rebel Project April 25: Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Background Orcs April 26: Thought Bomb, Comedy Monthly, The Phreaks April 27: Niki Luparelli and her Zeppelin band Misty Mountains Fat Tony’s Pub 1102 Main St., Worc. 508-798-8908 facebook.com/pages/Fat-TonysPub/120246167987079 Fiddlers’ Green Pub & Restaurant 19 Temple St., Worc. 508-792-3700 aohworcester.com Firefly’s / Dante’s 350 E. Main St., Marlborough 508-357-8883 fireflysbbq.com
Flip Flops 680 Main St., Holden 508-829-3008 flipflopsma.com Flying Rhino Cafe 278 Shrewsbury St., Worc. 508-757-1450 flyingrhinocafe.com Funky Murphy’s Bar & Grill 305 Shrewsbury St., Worc. 508-753-2995 funkyandjosemurphys.com Galway Bay Irish Pub 186 Stafford St., Worc. 508-753-8909 thegalway.com Gardner Ale House 74 Parker St., Gardner 978-669-0122 gardnerale.com Sundays: Jazz brunch Mondays: Blue Monday ~ live blues Thursdays: Audio Wasabi Fridays, Saturdays: Live bands Gilrein’s 802 Main St., Worc. 508-791-2583 gilreins.net Greendale’s Pub 404 W. Boylston St., Worc. 508-853-1350 myspace.com/greendalespub Sundays: Jim’s Blues Jam Tuesdays: Open Mic Night with Bill McCarthy Wednesdays: Wacky Wednesday Open Mic Jam with Mark April 4: Auntie Trainwreck April 5: Ed & Dave April 11; Blow it up Johnny April 12: Time Capsule April 18: Mayhem April 19: Satch Casey April 25: Nuzzy April 26: Silverbacks The Grey Hound Pub 139 Water St., Worc. 508-754-6100 anculiath.com April 4: Max Courtney and Matt Glover April 11: The Stonybatter Band April 18: Traditional Irish folk music with Colm O’Brien Halligan’s Sports Bar and More 889 Southbridge St., Auburn 508-832-6793 halliganssportsbarandmore.com April 26: Gilbert Gottfried live Hotel Vernon ~ The Ship Room/Kelley Square Yacht Club 1 Millbury St., Worc. Indian Ranch 200 Gore Road, Webster 508-943-3871 indianranch.com Ixtapa Cantina 308 Massachusetts Ave., Lunenburg 978-582-9701 ixtapacantina2.com JC Fenwick’s 37 Mechanic St., Leominster 978-840-4845 Jillian’s - Worcester 315 Grove St., Worc. 508-793-0900 jilliansworcester.com Mondays: Open Mic with Bill McCarthy
Continued on Page 27
Pulse
Shots
St. Patrick’s Day Parade ~ Worcester
Photos by Justin Perry
The Banner ~ Worcester
El Basha ~ Worcester
The Press Box ~ Worcester
Mickey Shea’s ~ Lunenburg
Blacksheep Tavern ~ Sterling
pulse magazine
Earn Your Associate Degree in as little as 14 months!
*
Start On YOur WaY tOWard a neW Career Medical Assisting* Medical Office Administration* Medical Billing and Coding Culinary Arts Massage Therapy
ll One visit and you'oose ch ts en ud st see why
• Financial aid available to those who qualify. • Day and evening classes are forming now. • Career placement assistance. * Associate degree programs
Call or Click Today!
888-569-9996 salter.edu
For Salter College’s Student Consumer Information visit www.salter.edu/info
26 THEPULSEMAG.COM | April 2014
184 W. Boylston Street West Boylston, MA
Continued from Page 22 Wednesdays: Karaoke April 4: Clam Digger April 5: Remuck Brothers April 11: Moonshine Band April 12: Flock of Assholes April 16: Worcester Music Awards April 18: Last Call with Rockhouse April 19: Russo Brothers April 25: Valvatross April 26: Ton of Blues JJ’s Sports Bar and Grill 380 Southwest Cutoff, Northborough 508-842-8420 jbag.biz April 4: Shotgun Still April 5: No Alibi April 6: JJ’s/15-40 Connection 2nd Annual Cancer Awareness Benefit April 11: Dirty Deeds (AC/DC tribute) April 12: WCUW Blues Benefit April 18: How Bizarre (‘90s tribute) April 19: 9Teen April 25: Happy Jack (The Who tribute) April 26: Custard Pie (Led Zeppelin tribute) LaScala Restaurant 183 Shrewsbury St, Worc. 508-753-9912 lascalashrewsburystreet.com The Lazy Dog 31 Main St., Marlborough 508-229-2264 doggonelazy.com Legends Airport Road, Fitchburg 978-342-6500 facebook.com/centericebar Leitrim’s Pub 265 Park Ave., Worc. 508-798-2447 leitrimspub.com Loft 266 Bar & Lounge 266 Park Ave., Worc. 508-796-5177 loft266.com Tuesdays: Karaoke April 1, 8: Karaoke contest with $500 prize April 5: Erica & Justin Acoustic Duo London Billiards / Club Oasis 70 James St., Worc. 508-799-7655 londonbilliards.com Lucky Dog Music Hall 89 Green St., Worc. 508-363-1888 luckydogmusic.com Sundays: Game night Sundays: Vinyl Siding ~ A group gathering for fans of vinyl, DJs and turntables April 4: Big Eyed Rabbit, Damnation, Robert Leather and Snake Oil Caravan April 5: Schism (Tool tribute), Levity April 9: Woo Town Wednesdays; free show with Equinox and more April 11: Fear Nuttin Band, PlanetRAWK and more April 12: Maiden New England (Iron Maiden tribute), Riff Legion and Stormbringer (Deep Purple tribute) Mahoney’s Pub 413 Park Ave., Worc. 508-277-1073 facebook.com/mahoneyspub.ma Marty’s Pub 225 Cantebury St., Worc. 508-754-0033 martyspub.com MB Lounge 40 Grafton St., Worc. 508-799-4521 mblounge.com McNally’s Grille & Pub 88 Sargent Road, Westminster 978-874-1444 mcnallysgrille.com
Michael’s Cigar Bar 1 Exchange Place, Worc. 508-459-9035 michaelscigar.com April 4: Jim Devlin Trio April 5: Russo Bros April 9: Hit the Bus April 9: Ricky Duran April 12: Real Cool Cats April 16: Jarred Adams April 17: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell April 18: Andy Cummings and The Swingabilly Lounge April 19: Hit the Bus April 23: Brett Brumby April 24: Ricky Duran April 25: Brett & Lisa Brumby April 26: Aunt Judy April 30: Jarred Adams Mickey O’Neil’s 377 Park Ave., Worc. Mickey Sheas 324 Electric Ave., Lunenburg 978-342-5825 The Mill 185 W. Boylston St., W. Boylston 774-261-8585 themill185.com April 4: Dave Obrien April 5: Sean Ryan April 11: Jay Graham April 12: Chad Clements April 17: Josh Briggs April 18: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell April 19: Bill McCarthy April 24: Belit April 25: How Bizarre April 26: Andy Cummings Mill Street Brews (@ The Artist Development Complex) 18 Mill St., Southbridge 508-764-6900 millstreetbrews.com April 23: L.A. Guns featuring Demons Alley (6 p.m.) Moonstruck Café 19 Worcester Road, Charlton 508-248-4558 Moynihan’s Pub 897 Main St., Worc. Nick’s Bar and Restaurant 124 Millbury St., Worc. 508-753-4030 myspace.com/NicksWorcester Fridays:Thank Friday It’s Dr. Nat April 3: Sugar Blood Jinx April 4: Thank Friday it’s Nat (5:30- 7:30 p.m.); then Swingabilly Lounge and Wormtown Bombshells (9p.m.) April 5: Jazz Duo ~ Pamela Hines and Suzanne Cabot April 6: The Hangover Hour Spoken Word Salon (5 p.m.); then Incredible Sestina Anthology and Andy Cummings (8 p.m.) The Nines Neighborhood Bar 136 Millbury St., Worc. 508-340-0318 On The Rocks Sports Bar & Grill 96 Lakefront Ave., Lunenburg 978-342-6692 Paisanos Pizza & Spirits 450 Lancaster St., Leominster 978-534-7117 The Palladium 261 Main St., Worc. 508-797-9696 thepalladium.net Partner’s Pub 970 South St., Fitchburg 978-345-5051 partnerspub.com Patsie Dugan’s 49 Millbury St., Worc.
April 26: Goldrush
508-755-4155 patsiedugans.com Perfect Game Sports Grill and Lounge 64 Water St., Worc. 508-792-4263 perfectgameworcester.com Thursdays: Karaoke Fridays: DJ One-34 Saturdays: DJ Reckless April 12: Mike Brennan April 18: Bill McCarthy
Rose Garden Restaurant and Pub 16 Milford St., Upton 508-529-7776 uptonrosegarden.com Rumors 371 Park Ave., Worc. 508-755-5542 clubuniverseworcester.com
Pho Dakao 593 Park Ave., Worc. 508-756-7555
Rye & Thyme 14 Monument Square, Leominster 978-534-5900 ryeandthyme.com
Point Breeze On the Lake 114 Point Breeze Road, Webster 508-943-0404 pointbreezeonwebsterlake.com
April 4: Brian & Captain April 5: Rockabilly April 13: Stout & Slik Brunch April 18: Brian & Captain
Press Box 536 Lincoln St., Worc. 508-856-9255 April 5: Masters Golf Show April 25: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell
Sakura Tokyo 640 Park Ave., Worc. 508-792-1078, 508-792-1068 sakura-tokyo.com April 4, 5: ’80s party with Flock of A-Holes April 11, 12: Doctor Robert
The Pumphouse 340 Main St., Southbridge 508-765-5473 facebook.com/#!/pages/The-PumpHouse/374917818127?sk=info
Scorz 58 Shrewsbury St., Worc. Sean Patrick’s Family Restaurant 494 Electric Ave., Lunenburg 888-824-3924, 978-345-2000 seanpatricksrestaurant.com
Rage 105 Water St., Worc. 508-756-2223 rageworcester.com Ralph’s Chadwick Square Diner 148 Grove St., Worc. 508-753-9543 ralphsrockdiner.com Sundays: Sunday Night Cinemageddon Tuesdays: C.U. Next Tuesday with DJ Poke Smot and guests April 3: Metal Thursday CCXXXVII ~ Protean Collective, My Missing Half and 2 TBA. April 4: Joe Stump, Shadow Eden, Ollocs! April 5: Hot Letter’s Springfest featuring Henry’s Wine April 11: Miranda, Guardrail Savior, Idlemind and Bernie’s Garage April 12: Words of Truth, Anicca, Hardtime, Last Words and Line 131. April 17: Metal Thursday CCXXXVIII April 18: Porcelain Clocks, Remones, Alottle, April 19: Township April 24: Metal Thursday CCXXXIX April 25: The Curtis Mayflower, Ghosts of Jupiter and The Blue Ribbons April 26: Bees Knees, Loose Salute and Moose and The Mudbugs May 1: Metal Thursday CCXL ~ Eighth Anniversary Show May 2: How Bizzare (‘90s tribute) The Raven 258 Pleasant St., Worc. 508-304-8133 facebook.com/people/RavenWorcester/100001022046717 Red Onion - Otter River Hotel 29 Main St., Baldwinville 978-939-7373, 978-939-8321 myspace.com/theredonion RG Scooters Pub 84 Lakefront St., Lunenburg 978-348-2453 facebook.com/pages/RGScooters/211225168902092 Rivalry’s Sports Bar 274 Shrewsbury St., Worc. 774-243-1100 rivalrysworcester.com April 4: Cosby Sweaters April 5: Hothouse April 11: Babe Pino Band April 12: Three of a Kind April 13: Clamdigger April 18: Take Two April 19: Tom Revane April 25: Randy & Dave Show
Speakers Night Club 19 Weed St., Marlborough 508-480-8222 speakersnightclub.net Fridays: Karaoke Stagecoach Inn and Tavern 128 Main St., Groton 978-448-5614, 877-782-4346 grotonstagecoachinn.com Sunset Tiki Bar 79 Powers Road, Westford 978-692-5700 skinashoba.com/summer Tal’s Place 138 Lake St., Webster 508-949-6559 talsplacewebster.com Three G’s Sports Bar 152 Millbury St., Worc. 508-754-3516 3gs-sportsbar.com Saturdays: Open Mic with the Old School Band Tweed’s 231 Grove St., Worc. 508-755-8047 tweedspub.com Union Music 142 Southbridge St., Worc. 508-753-3702 unionmusic.com Union Tavern 65 Green St., Worc. facebook.com/TheUnionTavernWorcester Victory Bar & Cigar 56 Shrewsbury St., Worc. 508-756-4747 victorycigarbar.com April 25: Victory’s 10th Anniversary Party Vincent’s Bar 49 Suffolk St., Worc. 508-752-9439 facebook.com/vincentsbar Sundays: Big Jon Short ~ acoustic country blues Wonder Bar Restaurant 121 Shrewsbury St., Worc. 508-752-9909 wonderbarrestaurant.net
April 2014 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 27
LIFESTYLE
8 simple stressbusters By Henry S. Miller
Got stress? Stress is a part of a normal life that you can’t really avoid. The good news? You have more power than you realize to control stress before it prevents you from living the life you want to lead. Here are eight simple stressbusters to help you. 1. Breathe slowly and deeply. Before you react to the next stressful event, first take three deep breaths and consciously release each breath slowly. If you have more time, try a relaxation technique, such as meditation or guided imagery, before deciding how to handle the situation. 2. Speak more slowly. If you feel overwhelmed at any time, deliberately slow down the pace of your speaking. You will appear less anxious and more in control of the situation. Stressed people tend to speak fast and breathlessly. If you slow down, you’ll find you can think more clearly and react more reasonably to stressful situations. 3. Take a break outdoors. Take advantage of the healing power of fresh air and sunshine. Just five minutes outside on a balcony or terrace can be rejuvenating. If you have more time, 30 minutes of sunshine has proven positive benefits. 4. Check your posture. Hold your head and shoulders upright. Avoid slumping or stooping: Bad posture leads to muscle tension, pain and increased stress. If you are behind a desk during the day, avoid repetitive strain injuries and sore muscles by making sure your workspace is ergonomic and taking five minutes every hour to walk around or stretch. 5. Drink plenty of water and eat small, nutritious snacks Fight dehydration and hunger ~ they can provoke aggressiveness and exacerbate feelings of anxiety and stress. Drink plenty of water and always have small, nutritious snacks ~ such as fruit, string cheese or a handful of nuts ~ available. 6. Do one thing today. Take control of your time. Every day, do at least one simple thing you’ve been putting off: return a phone call, make a doctor’s
28 THEPULSEMAG.COM | April 2014
appointment or file the paperwork piling up on your desk. Taking care of one nagging responsibility will energize you and improve your attitude. You might even find that completing one task inspires you to move on to the next one. At the end of each day, try planning your schedule for tomorrow using a calendar or day planner. 7. Reward yourself after a stressful day. At the end of the day, set aside any work concerns, housekeeping issues or family concerns for at least a few minutes. Allow yourself a brief period of time to fully relax before bedtime each day ~ even if it’s only taking a relaxing bath or spending 30 minutes with a good book. Remember, you need time to recharge. Don’t spend this time planning tomorrow or doing chores you didn’t get around to during the day. You’ll be much better prepared to face another stressful day if you give yourself a brief reward of some free time. 8. Practice letting go. When your next inevitably stressful situation comes up, make a conscious choice not to become upset. Just let it go. Don’t waste your energy on situations where it is not deserved. Managing your anger is a proven stress reducer. There’s no way to avoid stress, but you can be proactive in managing it. Henry S. Miller is the author of The Serious Pursuit of Happiness: Everything You Need to Know to Flourish and Thrive and Inspiration for the Pursuit of Happiness: Wisdom to Guide your Journey to a Better Life. He is also the creator of the online membership program Get Serious About Your Happiness: 20 Transformational Tools for Turbulent Times. As president of The Henry Miller Group (millergroup.com), he is a speaker, trainer and consultant, helping organizations improve engagement, performance and productivity specifically by increasing employee well-being.
Wear your technology Blinged up and bedazzled is the top 2014 trend for accessories, but this doesn’t just go for earrings and necklaces ~ it also goes for your wearable technology! Brilliance.com just launched its device customization option and already has blinged out the Jawbone Up exercise band. The Jawbone Up exercise band connects to your smartphone through Bluetooth to keep track of your activity level and how much you sleep and eat, ultimately helping you achieve your weight goals. Brilliance.com is now giving customers the chance to add a personalized pop of pizazz and bling to their own Jawbone Up. Customers can mix and match band colors with their choice of diamonds or gemstones such as sapphires, rubies, pink sapphires or emeralds, which are set on the wristband cap. The wristband cap is available in white, yellow or rose gold, as well as platinum and palladium. The Jawbone Up exercise band isn’t the only wearable gadget getting a facelift by Briliance.com. The company has also bedazzled the Samsung Galaxy Gear Watch. The Wall Street collection features 12 round-cut diamonds, six on each side, and the Soho collection, features 12 round-cut gemstones, such as sapphires, rubies, emeralds and pink sapphires, that are bezel set into the stainless steel watch face. You can see the complete collection at Brilliance.com.
APRIL
WCLOC presents
Richard O’Brien’s
25 - M
AY 11
The
Rocky Horror Show PERFORMANCES
Book, Music and Lyrics by Richard O’Brien
Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays at 8 pm Sunday Matinees at 2 pm TICKETS
General Admission $20 Students & Seniors $17
Thursday Night is
COLLEGE NIGHT!
PURCHASE TICKETS AT: www.wcloc.org or by phone: 508-753-4383
students with ID ONLY $10
GRANDVIEW PLAYHOUSE 21 Grandview Ave., Worcester
“ROCKY HORROR SHOW, THE” is presented with special arrangement with, SAMUEL FRENCH, Inc.
April 2014 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 29
We’ve Got It!
FIAT of Worcester THE BRAND NEW
2014 FIAT
500 L AUTOMATIC
$189/MO.*
2 Latti Farm Rd., Rt. 20, Millbury, MA 01527 (888) 294-3558 HerbChambers.com *Lease payment based on MSRP of $22,345. Lease term is 36 months, 10K miles a year, $2,000 due at signing, plus tax, zero security deposit and zero acquisition fee. Does not include ½VWX TE]QIRX HSG JII SV VIKMWXVEXMSR JII Subject to credit approval. Offer expires 4/30/14
HC_PulseMag_9x5.4_APR chris
30 THEPULSEMAG.COM | April 2014
DINING & Entertaining
REVIEW
Mexicali caters to a variety of tastes By Bernie Whitmore
Mexicali Fresh Mex Grill 700 Main St., Holden (508) 829-7700 mexicalisfreshmex.com It never fails; just mention a Mexican restaurant, and there will be some naysayer ready to insist that the cuisine is not authentic. I was ready to head off all this inevitable criticism in defense of Holden’s Mexicali Fresh Mex Grill. However, after some research, I learned that Mexicali cuisine could refer to a full spectrum of ethnic dishes; the city is nestled just south of California and has a cuisine that was heavily influenced by early Chinese immigrants. My advice? Approach Mexicali with an open mind. Perhaps this might sum it up best: After finishing our meal, my dining companion opined, “It’s traditional Mexican whose spice level has been adjusted for Northeastern palates.” True enough, the food may not be very spicy, but the constant playlist of Mexican music certainly was. And to be fair, after we mentioned the lack of fire, Michelle, our server, offered condiments guaranteed to ratchet up the heat. But I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s rewind to the beginning of this adventure. Mexicali Fresh Mex is split into lounge and dining areas. Both are moderate in size but not cramped. Each of the stuccoed walls in the dining room has been washed with its own bright color. As soon as we sat down, we were presented with a basket of oven-warm tortilla chips and a bowl of tasty salsa containing chunks of fresh tomato. Fortunately, the menu is laminated, because salsa kept running off my chips onto its pages as I scanned the colorful food photos. We started with the Baby Chimichangas appetizer. Another appetizer, Taquito Bites, made me wonder if the cuisine would be that pre-fab stuff for teenagers you see advertised on TV. But these chimichangas were hand-wrapped and stuffed with tender chicken and cheese. They came with cups of sour cream and guacamole and were slathered with orange and white Jack cheeses that were baked till molten and stretchy. The menu billed them as “mini,” but beware: Size is relative, and this portion of four obviously is for sharing. These
chimichangas were at least six large forkloads each. We enjoyed them with refreshing margaritas made with fresh lime juice. Mexicali’s menu offered an intriguing twist on a poblano pepper favorite: Chiles en Nogada. They’re stuffed with meat and served with pecans and pomegranate. I just had to try them and was crestfallen when Michelle told me they were not available that evening. So I fell back to the obvious alternative: Chiles Rellenos. Mexicali takes two large poblano peppers, fills them with mozzarella cheese and batters them. If these were deep fried, as is so often the case, it was with great skill because they were not greasy or oily. The large peppers had collapsed under a slathering of gooey Jack cheese, the batter coating was golden-brown and thick, and the pepper walls were cooked till soft and creamy. Combo meals are a tradition at Mexican restaurants, popular because they allow diners to pick and choose from across the menu. My friend tried the three-option Combo Mexicali. His choices: pork enchilada, beef burrito and chicken taco. As he sampled his way through the combo, he reported the pork to be tender and tasty, but the beef was the spiciest of all. I inherited half the chicken taco; the texture contrast of the crunchy shell and the super-tender chicken chunks was striking ~ some serious marinating had taken place. Both entrees were generous portions served with rice and creamy-soft refried beans topped with melted cheese. The menu describes the rice simply as “white,” but that hardly does it justice; it was flecked with herbs. We finished with Churros, crispy sticks of cakey dough extruded though some sort of nozzle that yields crusty ridges, perfect for dipping in warmed chocolate sauce and velvety dulce de leche sauce. Michelle called it butterscotch, but I thought it smoother and richer than your average butterscotch. Mexicali Fresh Mex has carved out its own cuisine space that manages to satisfy the urge for Mexican cuisine but does it with, perhaps, a lighter touch than others. And if you insist upon spicy, just have them pass the habanero sauce when you’re seated.
32 THEPULSEMAG.COM | April 2014
Hot & Now By Paul Giorgio
Use your noodle. Noodles & Company will open its first Massachusetts location next month in Shrewsbury in the White City Shopping Center, 50 Boston Turnpike. Noodles & Company is a popular eatery, serving noodles, sandwiches, salads and soups inspired by cuisines from around the globe. The menu has a great variety of options that are all freshly made to order. Plans for a second and third location are set for Burlington (May) and Nashua, N.H. (June), respectively. Mi casa, su casa. Casa Villarta will open shortly in Northborough on Route 9 in the space that formerly housed the Celtic Tavern. We hear that the owners also own Cancun’s in Grafton. The building was recently repainted in a bright palette of colors The pot is hot. Chuan Shabu, Wilson Wang’s newest venture, recently opened on Worcester’s Park Avenue, next door to his other restaurant, Baba. The concept behind the restaurant is communal dining, cooking vegetables and protein in a hot pot of broth. The combination of choices and broth make for unique flavors. Wang said this style of eating is very popular throughout China. Happy 40th. Tatnuck Meat Market is celebrating its 40th year in business. Located at 1100 Pleasant St. in the heart of Tatnuck Square and owned by Harvey Slakey, Tatnuck has changed with the times. A few years ago, its name changed to Tatnuck Meat & Seafood Market. Personal service is its hallmark. Eat your broccoli. Worcester’s VegFest will take place from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, April 6, at Worcester’s DCU Center. Admission is free. Visit worcestervegfest.com for details. Spring is here. How can you tell that spring has finally arrived? It’s not by the weather. The true sign of spring is the sign at Ronnie’s Seafood says, “Now Hiring.” Always a good sign. News from Webster. It appears that Mexicali Fresh Mex will open a restaurant in Webster soon. It will open near the Price Chopper Plaza on the site of the former Webster Nursery. More Webster news. Our South County spy tells us that Michael’s Italian Kitchen has closed. No further information is available, but the restaurant ~ right off of Route 395 ~ had a great location. While in South County. If you are in southern Worcester County, try Oxford’s Casual Dining, which has great food. Owned by the Daddah family, which formerly owned a diner in Worcester’s Quinsig Village, the eatery recently started having live music. Whiskey Wednesday. If you are ever looking for something to do on a Wednesday night, check out Whiskey Wednesdays at Julio’s Liquors in Westborough at 7 p.m. The event is always hosted by store owner Ryan Maloney, a true Scotch enthusiast. By the way, the tastings are not limited to Scotch, but include a variety of whisk(e)ys from Ireland and Canada, as well. April 2014 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 33
Go meatless at the DCU Center By Benjamin McNeil
Circle April 6 on your calendar. Worcester VegFest, a free festival organized entirely by volunteers, will celebrate all things vegetarian at the DCU Center. Its organizers describe the Worcester VegFest as “a free festival that brings the local community together to celebrate vegetarianism: an animal-friendly, environmentally sustainable and healthy lifestyle.” While I’m not vegetarian, I am someone who has been pleasantly surprised by our city’s commitment to community building and its collective promotion of a healthy lifestyle. Local farming initiatives like YouthGROW Farms, the increasing number of juice bars and healthy restaurants and the growing popularity of exercise groups all point to a city moving in the right direction. Worcester VegFest 2014 will stoke this trend’s flames. The festival has received acclaim from community organizers. Tina Zlody, cofounder of stART on the Street, said, “Worcester VegFest is one of the best events in the city! It combines education about compassionate practices, along with wonderful vendors who promote animal welfare, vegetarian and vegan living in a festive and warm environment. And the food is great, too!” VegWorcester, the self-proclaimed “voice of the vegetarian community in Worcester” organizes VegFest, and it has attracted an ever-soaring number of festival-goers since the inaugural festival in 2010. There were 6,000 attendees in 2013 (72 percent of whom were first-timers), and with DCU as this year’s venue, that number will undoubtedly climb. Numerous vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Worcester ~ including Belmont Vegetarian Restaurant, Loving Hut, EVO and Bollywood Grille, among others ~ will participate in the festival. The popularity of VegFest has also gained more national fame. Jon Camp, an animal rights activist and founder of the renowned Vegan Outreach organization has praised the festival. “As someone who has spoken at and attended many vegetarian festivals throughout the United States, I’ve come to see the Worcester VegFest as one of the best in the country. … The festival is always so well-attended, well-organized, and it teems with high-quality vendors and speakers.” Past speakers include Rich Roll, a vegan ultra-marathoner; Dr. T. Colin Campbell, nutritionist and author of The China Study; and Terry Hope Romero, vegan chef and author of Viva Vegan and Veganomicon. One thing remains clear: These speakers do not disappoint. Worcester VegFest strives to emphasize the benefits of a vegetarian or vegan diet while also attempting to shine light on the lifestyle ~ which is what these diets truly are ~ in an attempt to bring it into the mainstream. As Erik Marcus, who runs Vegan.com, said, “[I am] constantly impressed by how VegWorcester attracts media coverage that positions vegans as being cool and mainstream.” Come down to the DCU Center from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, April 6, to support this cool community! For more information, visit worcestervegfest.com.
34 THEPULSEMAG.COM | April 2014
PulseBREW:
Where Were You? By Kerry Cyganiewicz
This is not going to be one of my typical beer reviews. It is going to be the first time I will speak of a beer twice in this column. At the end, I will tell you exactly why you should get this beer. Every so often, an event occurs that is so engrained in our memory, we remember exactly where we were and what we were doing when we first heard about it. For older folks, the “Where were you?” question would be events like the Apollo 1 disaster, JFK’s assassination or Nixon resigning over Watergate. People my age constantly ask the “Where were you?” question about the Columbia and Challenger disasters, the OJ verdict or when President Reagan or John Lennon were shot. The Boston Marathon bombing is such an event. I was driving when my phone rang. On the other end, the girl I was dating at the time was screaming frantically. She was at a bar drinking this very beer when the explosions went off close by. You can only get Sam Adams 26.2 at select locations, usually along the route of the marathon. She had to try it, as I had waxed poetic about its greatness and exclusivity. I was honored to be one of the few people to receive it in a bottle when it is only sold on tap. I did not share, so she went to the Boston Marathon to try it. She was more than a little upset I did not share my stash with her. Needless to say, we are no longer dating. This year’s 26.2 is just as good as last year’s batch. Here is the review I wrote then: Usually when I reach for a craft beer, I am looking for something heavy, dark and flavorful. But sometimes, that just doesn’t work, like when you’re mowing the lawn on a hot summer day, standing in front of the grill or if you just ran a marathon. Samuel Adams recently released its 26.2 Boston Brew, which is a partnership with the Boston Athletic Association. The BAA organizes the Boston Marathon. This 4.5% ABV Gose-style ale is described as having “light cereal notes from malted and unmalted wheat, rounded out by a spicy, peppery character with a soft, mineral quality from a touch of salt. The result is an unusual and delicate brew that is full of flavors to discover … and worth crossing the finish line for.” Here is my take: Appearance: A golden, honey-colored ale with a short, dense head that disappears slowly. It leaves traces of foam (Belgian lace) along the glass as you drink it. That’s a sign of a well-made beer. Aroma: A light citrus, spice and caramelized malt aroma ~ quite subdued and pleasant. Taste: Tasted like it smelled. Well-carbonated for such a small head. Finish is smooth, with minimal citrus notes lingering in the background. Mouthfeel: A smooth, light-bodied beer that’s easy to drink. Overall: A flavorful, lighter beer that’s refreshing. What is different about this year’s edition, you ask? Sam Adams is donating all of the profits from the sale of this beer to the Greg Hill Foundation for the ongoing needs of the survivors and families of the victims of this tragedy. Sam Adams even hosted some of these families to help brew one of the batches of 26.2. Jim Koch, the founder and brewer of Sam Adams, has always been a class act. I was fortunate to have met him once, and he is just a regular guy with a passion. He constantly goes out of his way to help people ~ whether it is helping out smaller breweries with ingredients during a recent hop shortage; starting the Brewing the American Dream program, which helps small breweries with financing; officiating marriages as a justice of the peace at his brewery; or this generous donation to the Greg Hill Foundation. Now where can you get it? The locations can be found on blog. samueladams.com.
April 2014 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 35
Chianti is classic! By Tim Korby
Chianti has been a hot topic in the wine industry as of late because of the Italian government’s addition of the new top-end classification, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione. But while most Americans know of Chianti, most don’t really know exactly what it is, so I’ll try to enlighten you a bit without getting too technical. Chianti is a rather large wine-producing area in Tuscany, Italy, that produces more than 8 million cases of wine annually. The wine must be made from 75 percent to 90 percent Sangiovese grapes. In addition to Sangiovese, the wine may include up to 10 percent Canaiolo grapes, up to 10 percent of the white grapes Malvasia and Trebbiano and up to 15 percent of any other red wine grape authorized by the region, including Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. This range of percentages gives winemakers the ability to produce a broad spectrum of styles. The more white grapes winemakers use, the lighter-bodied the wine. More Cabernet Sauvignon results in a richer-bodied wine. A wine’s alcohol content will give you an idea if it has a lighter or heavier body ~ lower alcohol equals lighter body and higher alcohol indicates that a wine will be richer. The minimum allowed alcohol level for Chianti is 11.5 percent, but most Chianti imported to the U.S. is between 12.5 percent and 13.5 percent. Chianti Classico is a 100-square-mile area within the larger Chianti region that produces the area’s best wines. In Chianti Classico, the rules about which grapes can be used and their percentages are a bit stricter than in Chianti. In Chianti Classico, Sangiovese must be at least 80 percent, and possibly up to 100 percent, of the wine’s composition. No white grape varieties are allowed to be used, and up to 20 percent of other authorized indigenous or international grape varieties may be used. The authorized local grape varieties include Canaiolo, Colorino and Pugnitello, while the predominant international varieties used are Merlot and Cabernet. The minimum allowed alcohol level for Chianti Classico is 12 percent, but most Chianti Classico imported to the U.S. is between 13.5 percent and 14 percent, which indicates that it is a richer or more full-bodied wine than regular Chianti. In both Chianti and Chianti Classico, the term Riserva is legally used for wines that have seen extended periods of aging. Where Chianti sees a minimum of only three months aging, Chianti Riserva must be aged at least 30 months. In Chianti Classico, which must age at least 10 months, the wines labeled Riserva must see at least 24 months aging. Aging wine for a longer period of time adds depth, complexity and more flavors, but only the best grapes can stand up to this process. I started out this article mentioning Chianti’s new and highest classification ~ Chianti Classico Gran Selezione. Wines with this classification are produced within Chianti Classico, with a minimum of 13 percent alcohol and a minimum of 30 months aging. These wines have been made using the best grapes harvested only from the winery’s own vineyards. These wines will range up to more than $100 per bottle. But what foods do Chiantis go with? Hannibal Lecter liked a nice glass of Chianti with liver and fava beans, while for many it is a tradition at the Easter dinner table. Many people say that a meal consisting of either pizza or pasta with red sauce is not complete without Chianti. I tend to serve my favorite Chiantis with roasted or grilled red meats. My favorite Chianti Classico producers are San Felice, Il Molino di Grace, Castello di Monastero and Castello Vicchiomaggio, but I enjoy them all. Tim Korby is the director of Julio’s Liquors’ the-AngelShare.com online wine store. He started in the wine industry in California in 1976 and moved to the Boston area in 2000. In addition to being a retail wine buyer, he has taught wine courses since 1984 and has regularly written newsletters, articles and blogs since 1981. Korby travels the world several times each year to find just the right wines for his customers and to learn the true romance of the wines he sells.
36 THEPULSEMAG.COM | April 2014
April 2014 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 37
38 THEPULSEMAG.COM | April 2014
CRAFT BEER. FARMHOUSE FARE. RIGHTEOUS COCKTAILS.
CRAFT BREWS. FRESH BREADS. Celebrate the artisan craftsman with an unmatched selection of farm-fresh food, hand-crafted spirits and, of course, world class beers. In late September, you’ll be able to enjoy our expanded kitchen, 30 additional seats with semi-private function space, and the opening of Crust, our artisan bakeshop one block away. The slow food movement has found it’s home here.
118 Main Street Worcester MA 01608 crustbakeshop.com OPENING LATE SEPTEMBER 2013
Lunch & dinner daily beginning at 11:30AM Brunch Saturdays & Sundays beginning at 10AM Located downtown in the historic courthouse district. 144 Main Street Worcester, MA 508.795.1012 www.armsbyabbey.com T:9”
T:5.4”
Enjoy Heineken Light Responsibly
Brewed in Holland. Imported by Heineken USA Inc., New York, NY. ©2013
294068_HL_PRINTAD.indd 1
7/23/13 2:50 PM April 2014 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 39
Art & Culture
Bringing dance back to the people By Kimberly Dunbar
Emily Granholm grew up dancing ~ but it wasn’t always pretty. “My parents sent me to dance because I looked like I was having a seizure whenever music came on,” she said. Three-year-old Granholm began with ballet and never stopped. A few years later, she took her tutus to the North Andover School of Dance, where she danced through high school before studying choreography at Dean College. In 2009, she founded Stylized Movement, Inc., a nonprofit organization with the mission to unite Central Massachusetts dancers, choreographers, musicians and other artists. “I want to engage the community and give them an outlet and a stage (on which) to perform,” said Granholm, who is also the artistic director of Stylized Movement. “There aren’t a ton of semi-pro dance opportunities in Central Massachusetts. After high school, most people never dance again. There are so many talented people out there, but there’s nowhere for them to branch off to.” Granholm was one of those talents who didn’t have an opportunity to use her choreography degree after college. “I am a Type 1 diabetic, so when I graduated, I needed a full-time job with benefits,” she said. “I couldn’t run off to New York City to dance and waitress to get by.” Granholm took a job as a human resources manager at Revolabs in Sudbury six years ago but missed dancing. She started Stylized Movement to give herself a creative outlet for choreography and extended the opportunity to others like her. Now 29, she’s two-thirds of the way to earning an MBA in human resources and non-profit leadership and is more motivated than ever to share her love of the arts with the Worcester community. “I love to dance, choreograph and inspire people,” said Granholm. “That’s why I created this company. I’m a normal girl, no different than anybody else. I want to feel like I am doing something for the community that’s beneficial. It feels good.” Stylized Movement not only aims to engage local artists but encourages them to collaborate and join forces for a greater cause ~ giving back. Every year, the organization puts on an annual show and donates the proceeds to a local charity (this year, the beneficiary was the Leary Firefighters Foundation). Money from the group’s classes is also donated. “When people take a class, I ask them to donate what they feel class would be worth ~ $10 or $20. It’s affordable and supports a great cause,” she said. Dancers interested in joining Stylized Movement classes don’t need experience. “Everyone can dance,” Granholm said, adding that a few of her dancers started with a yoga base. “People have these preconceptions in their heads that they can’t; you just have to close your eyes and push those out.”
40 THEPULSEMAG.COM | April 2014
Creating a comfortable environment that is conducive to learning is one of Granholm’s top priorities. “People think they look stupid or think others are laughing at them, but they’re not. I don’t ever want anyone to feel like that.” The organization is also for people who think they might be too experienced. “If you think you’re the best you can be, you are mistaken. There is always another level you can go. You need to keep learning,” she said. Stylized Movement has dancers of all types and styles ~ from breakdancers to bunheads ~ and is looking for more local participation. “We’re still in the growing phase, and there are so many different directions we can go in,” Granholm said. She hopes that one day the organization will encompass all aspects of the arts, with subcategories in dance, music and visual arts. “There is such value in the arts, and it’s not highlighted enough,” she said. “They have inspired people for decades and influenced cultures over time.” Including Granholm, who still might be sporting some awkward moves if it weren’t for dance. “The arts have inspired me; they have been everything to me for years,” she said, adding that she’s been running Stylized Movement on her own dime to help the cause. “There’s so much need.” Stylized Movement will hold auditions for its new season this month. Check out stylizedmovement.org for more information. If you’re interested in taking a class, email Granholm at Emily@stylizedmovement.org. Photos by Mike Nyman Photography.
NORTH COUNTY • DINING • ENTERTAINMENT • NORTH COUNTY • NORTH COUNTY • DINING • ENTERTAINMENT • NIGHTLIFE • SHOPPING • NORTH
41 THEPULSEMAG.COM | April 2014
April 2014 THEPULSEMAG.COM 41 April April 2014 2014 ||| THEPULSEMAG.COM THEPULSEMAG.COM 41 41
NORTH COUNTY • DINING • ENTERTAINMENT • NORTH COUNTY •
College
The final countdown: A bucket list for graduating seniors By Erin Cornell
With only a month left of school, finals are looming and college students are beginning to feel the pressure. For all you seniors out there, the arrival of finals means the end of college (and life as you know it). If thinking about graduation has you filled with anxiety and gloom, perhaps the best way to stay positive is to reflect on the best things that your college experience had to offer. Is there anything you missed? Well, here’s your graduation bucket list ~ the 10 things you have to do before saying goodbye to college. 1. Take part in a legendary tradition at your school. Almost every
school has its own set of unofficial traditions that are passed down from class to class, but most students are too intimidated to give them a try. It’s your senior year ~ go find that hidden room in the library or take a photo from the dorm rooftop!
2. Go out and cheer for the team. You may not be a varsity athlete, but
cheer on your school and attend a sporting event this spring. Baseball, softball, lacrosse, golf, tennis, rowing, track and field ~ the list goes on. Have you ever even taken a photo with your school mascot?
3. Participate in a school-spirited event. As one Nichols College senior put it, one of the best memories of your college years can be “getting involved.” This is your last chance to fully immerse yourself in the culture of events on your campus. Think Spring Week/Weekend or Greek events that usually take place at this time of year. 4. Have a hall reunion with everyone you dormed with freshman year. Some of you probably consider your lifelong friends the ones you met in your hall freshman year. For others, you may have lost touch along your journey the last few semesters. Get together one last time to relive the memories of when it all started. Bonus: Go check out your old dorm room.
5. Experience spring for the last time in Worcester. Now that the bitter cold is officially behind us, take advantage of the opportunity to spend some time outside, whether it be taking a walk on campus or heading out to one of the parks in town. Use the good weather as an excuse to engage in “the sense of community that Worcester has,” said Katharine Warner, of Quinsigamond Community College.
6. Try out a new restaurant. Nicolas Guerra, of Assumption College, summed up the sentiments of many seniors when he said, “I love all the restaurants in Worcester. There are literally so many fantastic restaurants to eat at. The variety of the food that is offered and the quality is unbeatable.” If you’re looking to try something new on a college student’s budget, you definitely can’t go wrong with Shrewsbury Street, but Park Avenue and West Boylston Street also have great options. 7. Get up early enough to go out for breakfast. Now that the semester
is winding down, you may be desperately sleep deprived, but try to set aside one morning to step out and try one of Worcester’s fantastic diners! Sara Bovat, of Holy Cross, said, “I have come to love Worcester’s industrial charm. All of its low-key, close-knit diners offer a small-town charm in a bigger city.”
8. Find a local volunteer opportunity. Many seniors expressed their love of volunteering and giving back to the community through various events, such as Spring Break programs. If you’ve never had the opportunity to participate in such an organized event, it’s not too late. The city of Worcester has endless possibilities ~ just ask around! 9. Chat it up with a member of the freshman class. Remember how awkward and scary it felt to be a freshman your first year of college? Share some of the wisdom you’ve accumulated with an underclassman. It’s always great to have the experience come full circle.
10. Make your own bucket list. If you think hard enough, there’s sure to be a handful of things you and your friends have always said you wanted to do but have never gotten around to. Now’s the time! The best memories are usually built from the simplest of activities, so don’t be lazy ~ get out there and get to it!
Special thanks to all of the seniors from Worcester colleges and universities that participated in the surveys used for the creation of this article.
42 THEPULSEMAG.COM | April 2014
I
Immedia LLP • 1075 Millbury Street • Worc. MA 01607
w w w.immedia1.com E• sales@immedia1.com P• 508) 791-3366 F• 508) 754-1387
• Sound • Lighting • Video • Generators • Temporary Heating • Rentals • Staging • Event Planning • Temporary Air Conditioning * And More
April 2014 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 43
beauty & style
Cosmic Unicornz fire the imagination By Rachel Shuster It’s one thing to like what you do. It’s another to love what you do. Now to live and breathe what you love? That’s something special. Melissa Thyden can honestly say that she is a part of that elite group. A 2010 graduate of University of Massachusetts Dartmouth with a major in illustration and minor in art history, Thyden combines her love of art and fashion to create one-of-a-kind, hand-painted and handmade works of art with her business, Cosmic Unicornz. “I’ve always loved illustration and art, but I really have a passion for fashion. I wanted to find a unique way to combine painting and artwork with fashion,” Thyden said. A Sutton native, Thyden became involved in art festivals when she was younger, including stART on the Street. “I was selling my paintings [there], but then, I started painting on anything I could get my hands on ~ shirts, bags, shoes, etc.” Thyden said. “The shoes really took off. Before I knew it, everyone wanted to buy a pair of my hand-painted shoes. I ended up making an online store,” she said. From this, Cosmic Unicornz was born. “I am trying to start a fashion, pop-art line and just keep expanding on it. It’s been my dream my whole life to have my own clothing company,” she said. Besides creating and running her own business, Thyden also works at Gallery Z in Providence, R.I., as an art gallery assistant and at The Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston, leading art-making workshops and assisting with family programs.
My Little Pony, Rainbow Brite, Lisa Frank … that’s our generation” she said. Custom work is also a huge part of the business. “I can do any kind of custom work. I’ve gotten a lot of requests from brides who want shoes for their wedding,” she said. Thyden has displayed and sold her work in Boston’s SOWA Open Market, Cambridge Open Market, Salem Open Market, the Wickid Etsy Shopping Event in Hingham and a craft fair at Vaillancourt Folk Art in Sutton. She will also participate in an exhibit at Gallery Z called “Spring” in April. Thyden has also been a vendor at Vans Warped Tour, which she will do again this summer. Additionally, a pair of her shoes was featured in The Huffington Post in October of 2013. In 2012, one of Thyden’s illustrations was featured in Nylon Magazine. In a world where many things are mass-produced, Thyden is confident that her work stands out. “We are entering an era where everything is mass-produced. Hand-painted or made products are becoming more special and sought after,” she said. As for prices, shoes range from $40-$60, depending on intricacy; shirts are about $20; and jewelry ranges from $15-$25. Don’t live in the U.S.? Don’t worry! “I ship everywhere overseas. I’ve already shipped to France, U.K., Ireland and Australia!” Thyden said.
As for the name, “Cosmic Unicornz,” Thyden wanted something that reflected the pop art-inspired work.
Thyden is surely living her dream and advises anyone else with a dream to never give up. “People can do whatever they want if they work hard enough. If you have a dream, all you have to do is take a step forward every day,” she said.
“The name plays into what my fashion is about. It’s for girls with a bold sense of style who want something fun and original,” she said.
For more information about Cosmic Unicornz, visit cosmicunicornz.com or shop at etsy.com/shop/cosmicunicornz.
In regards to what inspires her, Thyden says the ’80s is it. “I’m really inspired by
Photos by Erin O Photo.
44 THEPULSEMAG.COM | April 2014
The Style List.
Time for spring shopping By Stacia Kindler
Stylized details to the cotton button-up have also been keeping it classy, thanks to the chic shift this spring brings. Collars on these classic shirts are hitting the ground running, with razor-sharp points, unique shapes, contrasting fabrics ~ you name it! A modern version of the tailored top is an effortless way to look sharp while staying on trend. Paired with a circle skirt to keep things fresh or your favorite denim cutoffs to contrast, you’ll almost never go wrong with a modern twist on this classic garment.
It is certainly safe to say that this winter was a tough one. With everything from blizzards to freezing rain and the threat of yet another 6 inches of snow every week, I’m sure we’ve all skipped the gym once or twice this winter. However, as spring has officially started its long-anticipated cameo, the majority of us should be packing up our bulkiest survival-wear with eagerness. With that said, it’s only fair that we celebrate the end of winter ~ as well as tax season ~ with some gifts for ourselves! Check out the trends that are making the biggest splash early in the season. This spring surprises us, as the reign of the girly-girl and all things soft and feminine comes into play, humming quite a different tune from fall and winter, when grunge was the look, camo was the print and oversized leather was an absolute must. Now, unthawed by sunshine, pastels enter with vigor ~ with none other than pink leading the pack. Blushing hues of reddened pinks are everywhere for spring, from clothing and footwear to intimates and jewelry. Feeling wishy-washy about pink? Try another popular pastel while you warm up, such as mint green or pale blue.
Quite the opposite of pretty in pink for spring is the action-packed athletic look, a trend that has been trying hard to peek its rays through the clouds in past seasons. As athletic silhouettes and functional materials continue to claw their way into stores just in time to play outside, this trend is worth celebrating, as track pants, pennies and gym shorts aren’t strictly for working out anymore. High-tech fabrics and mesh detailing, with plenty of old-school color combinations, bring a fresh new feel to spring. Whether you choose to wear them all at once or contrasting with your go-to street wear, it is certainly hard to resist when fashion encourages comfort. So there you have it ~ a few basic trends to help you get your feet wet before the spring and summer shopping seasons truly begin to bloom. Excitingly enough, it seems as though fashion will be undergoing a significant change of pace, while still being able to maintain a little something for everyone in the upcoming seasons.
Go green for spring beauty By Erin Cornell
Celebrate Earth Day on April 22 with a selection of great eco-friendly beauty products that contain all-natural ingredients. You don’t have to sacrifice style or quality to be good to your body and the environment! Lather up
The idea of a solid shampoo might seem crazy, but maybe it’s crazy genius! New shampoo bars from Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics will not only transform your daily hair routine but also reduce wasteful consumption because they contain no preservatives and no packaging. Available in a variety of fresh scents for every hair type, these bars are great for travel and for your pocket, since they last as long as three bottles of liquid shampoo. $11.95; lushusa.com.
Cleanse and rejuvenate
Take the dirt off without drying or irritating your skin. Perfectly Natural Cleansing Gel from The Earth Sourced Collection by Paula’s Choice will quickly and easily remove makeup, with a gentle formula that leaves skin feeling smooth and soft. The use of natural ingredients makes it safe for all skin types, and recyclable packaging makes it safe for the environment. Bonus: It’s vegan and gluten-free. $17; paulaschoice.com.
Cool the years off
Tired of being tired and letting it show? The natural ingredients in Clairvoyant Beauty’s Cooling Cucumber Mask work to calm and reduce puffiness, leaving you with a healthy and radiant glow. The cucumber extract soothes skin, while the organic aloe vera provides an instant cooling sensation and the cranberry seed oil and glycerin delivers hydration and anti-aging benefits. $30; clairvoyantbeauty.com.
Stay fit and smell fresh
Now that it’s April, you might need another excuse to hit the gym, and we’ve got one. With Lavanila Laboratories The Healthy Deodorant, you can continue to pursue your active lifestyle without subjecting your body to harmful chemicals. The soothing essential oils in this 100 percent natural deodorant won’t irritate your skin, and the fresh scent will have you smelling good all day long. $14; lavanila.com.
Beat the heat
Suffering from heat-damaged, frizzy hair? NEVO Hydra Pearls from Pravana is here to help. This biodegradable, vegan and gluten-free product has everything you’ve been missing: It adds shine and moisture to dry hair, protects against heatstyling and smoothes hair texture. Each Hydra Pearl ampoule contains three nurturing ingredients from the most resilient plants in the Amazon that work together to lessen damaging free radicals, add elasticity and restore hair’s protective barrier to preserve color and strength. $19; pravana.com.
Nourish and restore
Go organic and never look back. Treat your mind and body to a little pick-me-up this spring with Erbaviva’s Relax Body Lotion. Made from light cocoa seed butter and highquality, natural emulsifiers, this lotion delivers moisture to overworked skin while the organic and calming essential oils of lavender, rose and neroli offer peace of mind to an overworked you. $18; erbaviva.com.
April 2014 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 45